The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has strongly criticised the Noida Authority for repeated violations of environmental and dust pollution norms and for failing to pay environmental compensation imposed by regulators.
During a hearing on Friday, the tribunal directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to submit a detailed calculation of penalties within two weeks so that action can be initiated against those responsible for the violations.
The case was filed by environmental activist Amit Gupta, who alleged that authorities continue to ignore environmental regulations despite repeated warnings.
Tribunal Expresses Displeasure Over Delayed Response
The tribunal’s principal bench noted that the Noida Authority had earlier failed to file its reply in the case despite directions issued on December 24.
Even during the latest hearing, the authority sought another four weeks’ time to submit its response, drawing criticism from the tribunal.
The NGT observed that repeated delays in responding to environmental violations indicate a lack of seriousness in addressing the issue of pollution.
55 Violations Identified During Inspections
In response to the tribunal’s directions, UPPCB regional officer Ritesh Kumar Tewari submitted inspection reports from multiple sites across Noida.
The report revealed at least 55 cases of environmental violations, mainly related to dust pollution and improper management of construction activities.
The pollution control board recommended environmental compensation based on the “polluter pays” principle, under which those responsible for pollution must bear the cost of preventing and repairing environmental damage.
12 Sites Found Violating Pollution Norms
Officials also submitted a list of 12 locations across different sectors in Noida where repeated inspections were carried out between January 14 and March 6.
Despite these inspections, authorities reported that no significant remedial measures were taken to control dust pollution.
As a result, the pollution control board recommended imposing ₹10.1 lakh in environmental compensation on the projects operating under the authority’s jurisdiction.
Large Environmental Penalty Yet to Be Recovered
Petitioner Amit Gupta also informed the tribunal that many government agencies have failed to comply with earlier orders.
According to him, Noida Authority, PVVNL and the district administration have not submitted responses to earlier directions, even after multiple inspections and penalties.
He pointed out that environmental compensation of around ₹27 crore had been imposed for violations, but only about ₹1 crore has been recovered so far.
Gupta further alleged that ongoing excavation work for cable lines, pipelines and gas infrastructure often leaves roads damaged and unrepaired, creating continuous dust pollution in many areas of the city.
Environmental Concerns Growing in Rapidly Expanding City
With large-scale infrastructure development and construction activities taking place across Noida, environmental experts say dust pollution has become a growing concern.
The tribunal’s intervention is expected to push authorities to take stronger measures to control pollution and enforce environmental regulations more strictly in the rapidly expanding urban region.
